Holy Diver [Deluxe Edition, Extra tracks, Original recording remastered]

This edition of Dio's classic Holy Diver is remastered by Andy Pearce as are the other Dio 2012 deluxe releases, which means, unlike other Deluxe Editions out there, this one isn't simply a volume bloated re-release. Very fine, clean and detailed sound, but just a tad bright. Disc 2 has some wonderful rare goodies that alone make this worthy of the purchase. The packaging is your standard for these editions, a wonderful foldout digipak and an informative booklet stuffed into one of the open flaps. Highly recommended edition if you have the cash. Tracklist below.

Disc 1 (Original newly remastered album)

01. Stand Up and Shout
02. Holy Diver
03. Gypsy" Vivian Campbell
04. Caught in the Middle
05. Don't Talk to Strangers
06. Straight Through the Heart
07. Invisible
08. Rainbow in the Dark
09. Shame on the Night

Disc 2

01. Evil Eyes (studio recording, originally appeared on B-Side to Holy Diver single)
02. Stand Up & Shout (Live B-Side, from the Rainbow in the Dark single)
03. Straight Through the Heart (Live B-Side, from the Rainbow in the Dark single)

King Biscuit Flower Hour, 30th October 1983:
04. Stand Up & Shout
05. Shame on the Night
06. Children of the Sea
07. Holy Diver
08. Rainbow in the Dark
09. Man on the Silver Mountain

DIO Reissues Holy Diver The Last In Line Sacred Heart

It's nearly two years now since the greatest hard rock singer of all time died. Ronnie James Dio, whether with Rainbow, Black Sabbath of his own band Dio, contributed some of the greatest moments in hard rock history. There aren't many musicians who become adjectives but Dio was one of them.

Now, the first three albums he recorded with his own band, after parting from Black Sabbath, are being reissued as double CD editions, chock full of fantastic music. Each one comes with a booklet notes from Malcolm Dome and the releases are endorsed by Ronnie's widow Wendy Dio.

"Holy Diver" was the debut from Dio, released in 1983. It's widely regarded as his finest ever album under his own name, but you won't be surprised to learn that I disagree. Even at the time, as an over exciteable teenager I remember thinking through a cloud of cider that it sounded really flat. I'd heard most of his Rainbow and Sabbath albums by then, and I knew a rotten production when I heard it. There's no faulting some of the songs on offer, from the title track to 'Don't Talk To Strangers', but even today, a lot of it leaves me wanting more.

However, over on the second CD there are some real goodies. A couple of single B-sides including the awesome 'Evil Eyes', a song that should have easily dislodged a number from the main album, as well as a set recorded for the King Biscuit Flower Hour with cracking versions of 'Man On The Silver Mountain' and 'Stand Up And Shout' the highlights. There's nothing the dedicated collector won't have, but it's a nice package.

"The Last in Line" was the second Dio studio album and, for me, remains one of the best moments in Dio history. It sounded so much bigger and louder, and had two epics in the shape of the title track and `Egypt ( The Chains are On)'. It's a fantastic album, one that should be more lauded than it is, and is the best of the reissues by far. Over on the second disc, you get the B-sides to the three singles taken from the albums, all live numbers with 'Don't Talk To Strangers' the best of the bunch. There's also a rough and ready set recorded at the Pinkpop festival, which has a raw excitement to it, that takes me right back to punching the air and singing along in row A of the Apollo.

1985 saw the arrival of album number three, "Sacred Heart", which was the peak of Dio success in the UK, The album went Top 5, and there were even a couple of hits in the shape of `Rock N' Roll Children' (complete with spectacularly bad video) and `Hungry for Heaven'. The tour even saw the arrival of Denzil The Dragon! It wasn't a bad album, but there was a bit too much filler alongside the likes of the title track and the singles. However, the package as a whole is a winner, as it also includes the whole of "Intermission", the stopgap live album that came out a wee while after, as well as the single B-sides and the fabulous 'Hide In The Rainbow' from the Dio EP. It's a bonus disc that really outshines its parent.

So, what's that, 62 tracks across 6 discs, with more than enough Dio to keep his disciples very happy. You can finally get rid of a couple of dodgy bootlegs, and sit back with happy memories of the man and his music. "I learned of your goals through dreams: a sacred heart, a wizard, a golden door."

Aaah Holy Diver,generally regarded as the third part of an UN(HOLY) trinity including Rainbow's RISING and Sabbath's HEAVEN AND HELL,who am i to disagree,I've loved this since '83,can still remember my local record shop pulling the vinyl from under the counter as i walked in,stating we've put this aside for you as we know your a big Rainbow fan,aaah the good old days,£3.99 i think it was,its a fabulous album from start to finish with several tracks that went onto become bona fide classics ,such as the title track,'Stand Up and Shout,'Rainbow in the Dark' and the delightful 'Dont Talk To Strangers' This remaster(by Andy Pearce) doesnt sound any different to the 2005 edition (to my ears anyway),it reinforces my feelings that the drum sound wasnt all it could have been but not enough to lessen my enjoyment.A true classic.

Bonus tracks: a plethora of live tracks including several from a KBFH show,a couple of live b'sides and the highlight the majestic studio track 'Evil Eyes',still cant believe it was left off the original album.

This is a superb deluxe edition,excellent photos,booklet and decent liner notes,well done all round to those involved.